Question on tipping

[slleipnir]

I work in a bar, so I work for my tips. As much as I'd love to always get the tip....people just wouldn't care for good service. I see people in wendy's or fastfood that are SO unfriendly. Could it hurt to smile??? I think if they depended on tips, maybe they would try harder to be friendly. Plus, if you're somewhere and you get crap service, you might not tip as much, or anything.

I think in britain that's how they do things though. We had a big group in once and they were very cheap tippers. I think they said it's because where they're from, they don't tip.

[Ginger's Mom]

Thank you for your answers. They have actually made me think of something else. If people are truly tipping based on service, and not just giving 15% because that is what common practice is, is it too subjective? What is good service? For instance, Audrey said maybe it would get them to smile more and be more friendly. Maybe someone else doesn't really want someone who is going to be smiley and talky, but just wants them to take their order, keep their table clean, glasses filled, and respond quickly to a wave (I came in for dinner not to make a new friend-yes I really am that grumpy ). Obviously you can't please everyone, even though you treated both tables the same way, they may feel you deserve a different tip. Is this alright? Is it just a drawback, or benefit, of the job?
Just as a quick funny aside, cassiesmom I just saw your post. I went somewhere new to get my haircut this weekend. The stylist talked non-stop about nothing the whole time she was working on me. I will not be going back to her, but I did tip her well.
ETA: Kari, I agree, I would like to know upfront what it will cost and let the company figure out who should be paid what. Even if they have to charge a little more to do that.

[Killearn Kitties]

I really could do without the tipping system. I do tip for good service where that is the policy, but I would much prefer that people were just paid a living wage and that was the end of it.

[pitc9]

I'm on the fence about this...

Leaving as is:
I like knowing that my server is working for his/her tip. If they do a better than average job I always tip over the average. If they are short with me, rude, or leave me with an empty glass then I'm not going to leave anything extra.

Including tip into wages:
If the tip was included and my server isn't working for a tip then they won't care how long my glass is empty because they know they've already gotten my money.

[Pam]

Including tip into wages:
If the tip was included and my server isn't working for a tip then they won't care how long my glass is empty because they know they've already gotten my money.

I'm in favor of that. Just do away with tips and pay the servers a better hourly wage. As in every occupation there are people who are good workers and people who do only what is necessary to barely get by. I have seen that in every place I have worked. Of course if you are a slacker it will be reflected in your review as the boss undoubtedly notices that as well.

With that thought in mind, it would be nice to do away with tips yet have the ability to *rate your server.* It could be a little comment sheet left on the table when your bill is presented. That way word would get back to the managers as to who is doing a good job and that would be reflected at raise/review time since the boss is not right there receiving the service but would then be aware of who is going above and beyond.

[anna_66]

Funny you bring up the comment sheet Pam.

Remember when almost all places had comment cards to fill out on the table?

My mom and dad just got back from vacation and stopped at a place that still had them. Mom said she started filling it out even before they were done with their meal.
She said she could tell right away with the way the server was that they were going to get good service

[Ginger's Mom]

With that thought in mind, it would be nice to do away with tips yet have the ability to *rate your server.* It could be a little comment sheet left on the table when your bill is presented. That way word would get back to the managers as to who is doing a good job and that would be reflected at raise/review time since the boss is not right there receiving the service but would then be aware of who is going above and beyond.

It's funny you should mention this Pam. I have noticed that it is becoming more common place for chain restaurants (Applebee's, Hard Rock) to have something printed on your receipt indicating that you can go to their website, put in your check number and leave a comment about your dining experience. I very rarely do it, but if the experience is particularly good or poor I would make a point of doing so. And of course this is the answer to giving feedback so the managers know which servers should be given additional benefits after we have done away with tipping (the last line was said tongue in cheek, of course ).

[Rachel]

I'm in favor of that. Just do away with tips and pay the servers a better hourly wage. As in every occupation there are people who are good workers and people who do only what is necessary to barely get by. I have seen that in every place I have worked. Of course if you are a slacker it will be reflected in your review as the boss undoubtedly notices that as well.

With that thought in mind, it would be nice to do away with tips yet have the ability to *rate your server.* It could be a little comment sheet left on the table when your bill is presented. That way word would get back to the managers as to who is doing a good job and that would be reflected at raise/review time since the boss is not right there receiving the service but would then be aware of who is going above and beyond.

This reflects how I feel as well. Somehow the whole concept of tipping makes me think that these particular businesses expect us to not only *pay* their employees but motivate them too. Well, I didn't get to hire them and don't get to fire them, so please don't expect me to do the other part either. That said, I almost always tip 20% and even the worst service gets a 15% tip because I don't want people handling my food to have any reason to ....well, you know. The whole system makes me irritated to say the least.

[lizbud]

Well I would vote to upgade all restautant/service job to match minimum federal wage & then tip for good service as an extra bonus per customer.

I really don't eat out if I'm already watching my pennies anyway.

[Catlady711]

I really could do without the tipping system. I do tip for good service where that is the policy, but I would much prefer that people were just paid a living wage and that was the end of it.

I totally agree with that. I hate going to places that add a mandatory tip onto your bill regardless of what kind of service you get. I don't go back to places like that again.

[G535]

Tipping is not required down here and the minimum wage is a decent living wage, if it wasn't there would be no incentive for people to find work.

[RICHARD]

I try to tip well but sometimes have a problem with tip jars at coffee joints.

[Randi]

I really could do without the tipping system. I do tip for good service where that is the policy, but I would much prefer that people were just paid a living wage and that was the end of it.

I agree with this.

[anna_66]

What is good service? For instance, Audrey said maybe it would get them to smile more and be more friendly. Maybe someone else doesn't really want someone who is going to be smiley and talky, but just wants them to take their order, keep their table clean, glasses filled, and respond quickly to a wave (I came in for dinner not to make a new friend-yes I really am that grumpy ).

I'm glad you've started this thread.
It gets us away from the bitter feelings in the other thread

I'd love it if tips were just included and we could be paid an hourly wage. No more guessing what your going to get.

If that's being grumpy, I'm grumpy too

Including tip into wages:
If the tip was included and my server isn't working for a tip then they won't care how long my glass is empty because they know they've already gotten my money.

I so don't agree with that Angie. Of course there are servers who are like that and are only there to bring home the money, but then there are others who really care about taking care of their guests...people like me


As for the single woman and women in general,
I get just as bad tips from men as I do from women. A lot of times I get better tips from women

[Miss Z]

I think in britain that's how they do things though. We had a big group in once and they were very cheap tippers. I think they said it's because where they're from, they don't tip.

Precisely. As I said in the other thread, tipping is very culturally based - some places over here even require you NOT to tip because it is insulting!

I don't mind tipping as long as it's a gesture for excellent efforts and not a necessity just because the waiter/ess did their job.

It has been interesting, though, to note how it is more common practice to tip across the pond. I'll have to keep that in mind for the future!